Join us for a Women’s History Month fireside chat with Ashley Magargee, CEO of Genentech. In this conversation, Ashley will reflect on her career journey, the defining moments that shaped her leadership, and the experiences that prepared her to lead one of the world’s most influential biotechnology companies. She will discuss the challenges she faced, the decisions that influenced her trajectory, and the guidance she offers to those seeking to advance in the biotech industry. The discussion will also explore her approach to leadership, how she builds and leads effective teams, and what it takes to guide a science-driven organization at scale.

As Genentech marks its 50th anniversary, the conversation will also examine the company’s role in the growth of the biotech industry and its efforts to advance women in leadership, including the impact of its Women’s Professional Group and progress toward gender parity. Attendees will gain practical insights into leadership, career development, and the evolving landscape of biotechnology, along with the opportunity to connect with peers and fellow professionals.

Note: Each ticket includes light bites and non-alcoholic beverages.

Program

5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Check in and networking
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Fireside Chat and Q&A
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Networking
 

Speaker Bios

Ashley Magargee, Chief Executive Officer of Genentech 

In January 2024, Ashley Magargee was appointed chief executive officer of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, and joined its Board of Directors. As CEO, she provides strategic leadership, cultivates a vibrant culture, and focuses on bringing life-changing medicines to patients. Ashley has spent two decades at Genentech and Roche, holding numerous global leadership roles. Before becoming CEO, she was head of the Commercial Portfolio Organization, where she successfully launched groundbreaking medicines and expanded the company’s presence in several therapeutic areas. Her career also includes shaping the company's digital engagement strategy and leading commercial operations for Roche in Singapore and Brunei. Her commitment to the biopharmaceutical industry is rooted in her early career in public service. Her experience on Capitol Hill, where she focused on health policy, and as an assistant principal in Harlem laid the groundwork for her dedication to leveraging scientific innovation to improve healthcare. A strong advocate for a thriving company culture, Ashley is dedicated to fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. She graduated from Princeton University and earned her MBA from Harvard University.

Sheila Gujrathi, MD, Biotech Entrepreneur, Moderator

Sheila is a biotech entrepreneur and executive, healthcare investor, drug developer, and speaker with over 25 years of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. She has founded, built, and run numerous biotech companies and led the development and approval of life-changing pharmaceutical drugs for patients with immunology and oncology diseases. In addition to founding her own biotech companies, she currently serves as a chairwoman, board director, strategic advisor and consultant to many start-up companies and investment funds. Gujrathi received both her MD in the accelerated Honors Program in Medical Education and her BS in biomedical engineering with highest distinction from Northwestern University where she was the 2024 commencement speaker. She completed her internal medicine internship and residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and additional fellowship training in allergy and immunology at the University of California, San Francisco and Stanford University. Gujrathi is passionate about making the working world safe and inclusive for women and other minority groups. She is co-founder of the Biotech CEO Sisterhood, a group of transformative trailblazing female CEOs, and the South Asian Biopharma Alliance.

Pricing Information

• Members: $35
• Non-members*: $65

*Interested in joining Women In Bio? Click here to learn more about WIB membership and gain access to our video library, mentorship opportunities, and more. 

Please read WIB’s Code of Conduct and Refund Policy.

Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

150

Parking Information

Free parking in the garage behind the building.

Public Transit Information

The venue is accessible via BART and local bus service.

Accessibility Accommodations

The building is ADA-compliant; the event space is on the ground floor, and elevators and ramps serve the parking garage.